Author: U.S. Department of Transportation

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This publication is part of the Federal Government's continuing effort to foster design excellence in public spaces. Design is a basic manifestation of all civilized cultures: an activity that helps shape the human environment and, at the same time, reflects and expresses the profoundest values of the peoples and cultures who engage in it.

Abstract:

This publication is part of the Federal Government's continuing effort to foster design excellence in public spaces. Design is a basic manifestation of all civilized cultures: an activity that helps shape the human environment and, at the same time, reflects and expresses the profoundest values of the peoples and cultures who engage in it.

From its earliest days, American society has made noteworthy contributions to the design arts and professions, and that society today is increasingly sensitive to the physical appearance of its communities.

The Federal Government has long shown its concern for improving the living and working environment so that it responds to people's aesthetic sensibilities as well as their functional and health requirements. Evidence of that concern includes presidential directives, legislative mandates, and agency initiatives. In short, the Federal Government is involved in encouraging better design.

The Design for Transportation National Awards Program was the first design award program for all modes of transportation undertaken by the Department of Transportation. It was also the first time that the Department of Transportation and the National Endowment for the Arts joined together to recognize outstanding achievement in design for transportation.

The goal of the program has been to stimulate better design in transportation by increasing public awareness of the value of good design and by recognizing those who achieve it.

The projects selected for recognition clearly demonstrate the contribution that aesthetic considerations can make to public spaces, be they highways, bridges, terminals, or even bus maintenance shops. Form and function can work together in a manner that is both practical and pleasing to the eye and thereby enhance both our environment and our transportation system.

We are pleased with the high level of enthusiasm and achievement that has been exhibited by all those who participated in this program. We especially want to thank the award jurors who spent long hours in judging the projects.

We would like to conclude by noting that, in an age of shrinking resources, it becomes even more important to give recognition to those who have pursued design excellence. Good design is one of the most effective means of achieving long-term efficiency in any transportation network. Endorsement of the efforts of design and engineering firms and the public agencies which have executed excellently designed projects is a very appropriate way for government to encourage initiative and fine work without incurring heavy financial costs.

CONTENTS
Design excellence in transportation by Linda Gosden and Michael Pittas.
The program by Bob Thurber and Geri Bachman.
The process by Ronald Thomas.
Awards.
Commendations.
Terminals.
Bridges and highways.
Vehicles and Equipment.
Amenities and art.
Design process.
Joint development.
Project references.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Public Art